Fall is the perfect time to go on vacation. Popular cities are less crowded, prices are likely to be lower, and many cities are even more beautiful in the fall. Find out more about the top autumn travel destinations in Europe

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October is a great time to travel in Europe, because autumn trips have many advantages: fewer tourists compared to the summer months, many promotional offers from airlines and hotels, many festivals, great weather and bright colors of autumn, which will give travelers a special flavor.

Which cities should you visit in Europe in autumn? Top 8 tourist destinations in Europe for October 2023.

Munich, Germany

Munich - the most famous city in southern Germany and the third largest after Berlin and Hamburg - invites you to a fabulous autumn trip. Autumn here is a time of festivals and long walks. The tourist will be able to enjoy the wonderful views of the historic city and spend enough time in the fresh air. Munich is a great place for the whole family to relax.

What is the weather like in October?

In October, the temperature in Munich is comfortable for walking. During the day, the temperature column rises to indicators from 15°С to 20°С, at night - 5°С to 10°С. The light day lasts from 10 to 12 hours.

What to see?

- Marienplatz (Mary Square) is the heart of the Bavarian capital, home to the Old and New Town Halls. On the facade of the Old Town Hall there is a clock decorated with moving figures.

- City Museum of Munich, where there is a puppet theater, a collection of musical instruments and a hall with historical exhibits.

- The German Museum is a children's kingdom with interactive entertainment that helps children get to know the complex world of technology. Some exhibits are so large that there are stairs next to them. Full-size ships, rockets and cars will impress even the most demanding visitors.

Festivals and events worth attending

- Oktoberfest is a beer festival that attracts several million tourists and offers entertainment for both adults and children. Traditional costumes and classic Bavarian cuisine create a magical atmosphere. Passes on Theresienwiese near the train station.

- Halloween – on October 29-30, the BMW Museum annually hosts a Halloween evening for children aged 10-13. As part of the event, an exciting show program is provided, adults will be able to explore the museum and admire numerous amazing cars.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, home to about 2 million people. The city is located on two banks of the Danube River - hilly Buda on the right bank (west) and flat Pest on the left bank. Budapest, also known as the "Paris of the East" and the "Pearl of the Danube", boasts many wonderful sights, museums, theaters and thermal spas. Budapest is also known for its exceptional gastronomy, shopping and entertainment.

What is the weather like in October?

In October, real autumn comes in Budapest. Sunny days are becoming rarer, and the number of cloudy and rainy days is increasing. The daytime temperature usually stays below 17°C, in the second half of October it ranges from 10°C to 13°C, in the evening the thermometer drops to 5°C.

What to see?

- The Parliament building is one of the most beautiful existing state institutions and a symbol of the capital, which is located on the right bank of the Danube. The evening lighting of the building creates a special atmosphere.

- Fisherman's Bastion is a wonderful place for a walk, which impresses with its architecture.

- St. Stephen's Basilica (the largest Catholic cathedral in the city) is located in the very heart of Budapest and is the main monument of the city. It offers a breathtaking view of the city panorama.

- Secheny Baths - thermal baths that offer three outdoor and 15 indoor pools for relaxation.

Festivals and events worth attending

- The Budapest Autumn Festival is a contemporary art festival that was founded in 1992. It is an annual celebration of dance, jazz, theater, poetry and fine arts. The largest fair in Eastern Europe lasts two weeks in mid-October.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria, which is located in the northeastern part of the country and is recognized as the most livable city in the world. It attracts travelers with its fantastic architecture and fragrant coffee.

What is the weather like in October?

October is the height of the Austrian autumn, so it is better to dress a little warmer. The average daytime temperature is 15°С, at night - about 5°С.

What to see?

- St. Stephen's Cathedral is a majestic Gothic cathedral with stunning architecture that is also known for its relics, icons and works of art. Its grandeur is truly impressive, and the bell tower offers a fantastic view of the Danube and Vienna. You can go up here by a spiral staircase.

- Schönbrunn Palace is the summer residence of the Habsburgs and one of the largest Baroque buildings. It is especially charming in autumn, when colorful leaves create a special atmosphere.

- Karlsplatz is one of the most important transport hubs of the city, where such attractions as the Karlskirche church, the Vienna Museum, the Technical University, the Artist's House with an exhibition center, as well as the cinema and the Musikverein concert hall are located.

Festivals and events worth attending

- Festival of modern music - takes place every year from the end of October to the beginning of November in one of the most beautiful concert halls in Vienna. The program of the event usually includes more than 50 performances and includes many genres of music, so every traveler will find something for themselves.

- The Viennese Oktoberfest is a party at the legendary Kaiser Wiese in the Prater, which annually gathers more than a million visitors. Wiener Wiesn-Fest is 700 hours of live music, beer and regional cuisine add local flavor.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

October is the best time for an autumn trip to Dubrovnik. It is still warm and sunny here, but the high season is already over. This means less people in popular places and better prices for accommodation, tours and restaurants.

Dubrovnik is located on the southern coast of the Adriatic Sea and is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic". The city is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What is the weather like in October?

In October, the weather in Dubrovnik is mild and sunny, with an average temperature of around 18°C, the lowest night temperature being 12°C.

What to see?

- Explore Dubrovnik and its surroundings - this incredibly well-preserved old town is filled with beautiful palaces, churches, monasteries in the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque styles. Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets, arcades, alleys, visit original restaurants and lively bars and enjoy endless sea views, as well as swimming and diving opportunities.

- Visit Fort Lovrienac - firstly, it offers a stunning view of Dubrovnik, and secondly, it is the location of the filming of the famous film "Game of Thrones".

- Theater of Dubrovnik - has three tiers of balconies, a luxurious wide stage and a hall for spectators. Also in the theater you can see the paintings of the famous local artist Vlaho Bukovac.

- Try pancakes with spicy Dubrovnik orange jam - you can taste them in almost any cafe or restaurant. Due to the Adriatic sun and abundant clean fresh water, Dubrovnik is an ideal place for growing bittersweet fruits. Local residents use them to make jam, marmalade, candied fruit, morsas, desserts, liqueurs, and even New Year's decorations.

Festivals and events worth attending

Good Food Festival – the rich program of the festival includes various master classes on the preparation of Dubrovnik desserts and traditional Croatian cuisine, themed dinners, including with a Michelin star chef, as well as wine tasting and many other interesting events.

Provence, France

This French region should definitely be added to the list of places to visit in October, because it impresses tourists with perfect landscapes and incredibly bright houses, which are especially attractive in autumn.

What is the weather like in October?

The temperature in October is 18-23°С, it is accompanied by a pleasant breeze and slight cloudiness. In general, Provence can seem quite hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so October is an ideal month to travel here.

What to see?

- Enjoy Provence in purple gold and take some stunning photos.

- Visit the Verdon Grand Canyon or the Nesque Gorge – enjoy the local scenery and walk the trails of Mount Ventoux. The view from numerous viewing platforms is truly impressive.

- St. Victor's Abbey is an ancient abbey that is currently being partially restored, outwardly it resembles a small ruined castle, which gives it a special charm.

Festivals and events worth attending

- Chestnut festival, which is held at the end of October. The French appreciate chestnuts very much and even organize a festival in their honor, during which you can enjoy the aroma of chestnuts and taste their delicious pulp.

- Wine fairs - wine fairs are held throughout France in October, where you can buy wine at the best prices.

- Marseille Jazz Festival - For ten days in October, La Fiesta des Suds in Marseille fills the sun-drenched Mediterranean streets with tunes that get festival-goers up and dancing. The performances and the atmosphere are incredible.

Ayia Napa, Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is a small island state in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, on the southeastern coast of which Ayia Napa is located. The resort is an ideal place for both a quiet family vacation and an active vacation. October is considered the best month of the "velvet" season in Ayia Napa, because the weather here is incredible and the sea is relatively warm.

What is the weather like in October?

During the day, the air temperature reaches 27°C, and at night it drops to 21°C.

What to see?

- The central square of Ayia Napa is a great place to start your walk. The main attraction of the square is the sculpture "I love Ayia Napa", the square also has fountains, memorials, statues and green areas, as well as cafes, restaurants and historic churches.

- Greco National Forest Park is a stunning park along the Mediterranean coast with numerous nature trails offering views of sea cliffs, ocean waves, beaches and pine forests.

- Ayia Napa International Sculpture Park combines works of modern art with local nature. Among 1,500 Cypriot trees and other plants, artists from all over the world have built various sculptures of all shapes and sizes.

Festivals and events worth attending

- The medieval festival was first celebrated in Ayia Napa in 2006. Since then, it has been held every year. The main goal of the event is the study of the Middle Ages.

Prague, Czech Republic

When planning an autumn vacation in Europe, you should not forget about Prague, because coming here in October is a good idea, because in addition to the fascinating architecture of the city, October offers numerous theater festivals, design events and jazz concerts.

What is the weather like in October?

The highest daytime temperatures usually fluctuate around 15°C at the beginning of October and drop to 10-12°C at the end of the month.

What to see?

- A sightseeing tour of Prague is ideal in autumn weather. Stroll along the Charles Bridge and count the spiers rising from the City of a Hundred Spires. Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town and learn about the history of the Kingdom of Bohemia. Admire the architecture of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock and Prague Castle.

- Historic city - on the Old Town Square, founded in the 12th century, there are the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, the former royal residence Stone Bell and the Kinsky Palace, which houses the Czech National Gallery.

- Wallenstein Palace – built in the 17th century in the Baroque style and located in the Mala Strana quarter. Previously, the commander and nobleman Albrecht von Wallenstein lived here. The palace is famous for its beautiful gardens, open to the public from April to October.

Festivals and events worth attending

- Prague Light Show - thousands of people flock to the city's most significant historical monuments every year to enjoy the stunning facades of Czech buildings and the light projected on the structures. The fusion of digital culture and creativity supports young local artists.

- The International Jazz Festival has been held in Prague for over 50 years. It usually starts in mid-October and lasts for 2 weeks. Music legends such as B.B. King, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and Benny Goodman perform on the festival stage.

- Autumn pumpkin festival - every year from October 15, visitors can admire the most spectacular works of art made of pumpkins. The culmination of the festival will be the pumpkin parade on October 31.

Crete, Greece

Crete is a large Greek island with a rich history, culture, and special cuisine. It has it all – gorgeous beaches, interesting port towns and pretty mountain villages to explore. October is the perfect time to visit. Most of the tourists had already left, so the hiking and sightseeing was more enjoyable, especially since the summer heat was behind us.

What is the weather like in October?

Crete is the southernmost of the Greek islands, so it has mild weather throughout the year. In October, the average temperature in Crete is 24°С. The sea has warmed up during the long hot summer, so now is the perfect time for swimming. Precipitation increases in autumn, but the bulk of the rain usually falls in the winter months.

What to see?

- Knossos Palace is the center of Minoan civilization. It is located not far from the capital of the island of Heraklion and is recognized as one of the most attractive sights of the island.

- Former leper colony on the island of Spinalonga.

- The coastal villages on the southern side of Crete are ideal for visitors who want to escape the crowds.

- The Samaria Gorge is an ideal place for hiking around the island.

Festivals and events worth attending

- The Kazan festival is held annually from October to December throughout Crete and celebrates the traditional process of turning grapes into rakia.

- Elos Chestnut Harvest Festival allows you to enjoy delicious food, wine, roasted chestnuts, national costumes, dances and various competitions.

October is the perfect time for an autumn vacation, so go on an exciting trip and immerse yourself in the autumn atmosphere: visit cities, festivals, taste new foods, drink coffee and wine.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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